City-wide Food Initiative

Pack the Pantries

As many of you know, last Friday Mayor Ballard launched the City-wide Food Initiative “Pack the Pantries.”

According to Mayor Ballard, “This year it’s different. Our city, like the rest of the nation, is facing the challenges of an economic downturn. Our community food banks are beginning to see a drop in food donations at the point when many of our neighbors are most in need.” Mayor Ballard is calling on every business, every school, every church, every charitable organization, every agency of government, and every individual citizen in Indianapolis to pack the pantries at a local food bank of their choosing.

From now until December 12th, Mayor Ballard is encouraging all city/county employees to participate in the City-wide Food Initiative. Food donated by city/county employees will be collected and donated to Gleaners Food Bank. Please donate NON-PERISHABLE items. Items needed are:

· Canned meats like tuna and chicken

· Heat and serve meals, such as soups & ravioli

· 100% fruit juices

· Canned fruits and vegetables

· Peanut butter and jelly

· Other kid friendly foods like macaroni, cereal, applesauce cups & healthy snacks

As Coordinator of the City-wide Food Initiative, I am asking that you designate a lead person in your department to head up the effort to collect non-perishables. I will need the name and contact information of this person ASAP. Each department lead will need to make sure that the food is in a dry location.

Instructions will be given to the lead person in your department regarding storage and pick up of items.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Douglas Hairston
Director
Mayor’s Office of the Front Porch Alliance
327-4336
Email: DHairsto@indygov.org

This gives a bit more insight in starting a food drive for your neighborhood…please direct it to a local food pantry in your area…here is a list of area food pantries Dennis Papenmeier